Off the Beaten Track: The Fiordland World Heritage Park of New Zealand

Original Haiku by Pearldiver

Off the Beaten Track: Fiordland World Heritage Park of New Zealand a photo journey by Pearldiver, is a powerful collection of original haiku verses and images, taking you on a journey through a small part of the South Island's Fiordland region of New Zealand, within the flow and context of a little piece of the areas history. A very unique look at one of the most beautiful and wildest areas of New Zealand and a world heritage listing. At the southernmost point of the Fiordland Heritage Park, jutting out into the Tasman Sea, is Puysegur Point Lighthouse, built to aid coastal shipping in 1879, as one part a network of lighthouses around the entire New Zealand coastline.

Until 1980s, the Lighthouse was operated daily manually, requiring a Lighthouse Keeper to maintain all operational duties, including the reporting of general weather, rainfall, wind speeds, sea swells and barometric pressure etc. Lighthouse Keepers and their families were (for obvious reasons) required to live 'on site' and were rotating each seven years, to other lighthouses around the coastline. All lighthouses were basically situated in the harshest environments, as is the New Zealand coastline, known for providing spectacular vistas and a full spectrum of conditions. It takes a special kind of person and positive, 'I can do' attitude to live on the edge. It makes one as unique as the environment around you.

To appreciate the lifestyle, one had to embrace a pioneering mindset, maintain a sense of humor and enjoy the isolation, as effectively that was the only way that the surroundings would allow you to survive. One of the prerequisites was that Head Keepers had to be married, so spare a thought for what that meant for the wives. Many were medically trained and expected to cope with anything from a life threatening fall to stubbed toes, while teaching their children in the formal schooling of correspondence over the radio, also the only lifeline and social contact with other staff or boat skippers. This was the lifestyle that my parents chose and we were stationed at three different Lighthouses. Puysegur Point in Fiordland, was the first of them and here, my roots were firmly planted and still hold tight to the sheer sea swept cliffs of this wild, windy, desolate place, unknown to most of the world. Even Google can't locate it in their map below.

One of the many colors of Fiordland.

Classic Fiordland bushland and ancient beech forests (above) are rich in both flora and forna.

From the author's perspective: I was four weeks old when I first met this place and on a very rough day, I arrived by barge suitably dressed for the dangerous unloading at the jetty, tied down in a cabinet drawer. Our supplies, mother and I were unloaded on the tidal surge; as the boat climbed level to the jetty, they were quickly passed hand to hand. When it was my turn, I was passed late, as the boat fell back down the wave. In my greeting from my father (on the jetty) he dropped me and I fell out of my drawer box, twenty feet, to be snatched from certain death below, by a deckhand, who himself nearly fell into the wild seas saving me. He caught a flagon of beer as well apparently.

I've always loved surfing big waves, boating, flying, bungy, though I never tossed my kids to my father, hate being held by the scruff of the neck and I'm always late! Clearly, very early in our lives, we are conditioned by experiences. Here, my home was Puysegur Point, born with that pioneer spirit and a Lighthouse Keeper's son, wide eyed to nature and the environment. This truly is a wild place, known for it's high wind squalls, desolation, changeable weather and spectacular beauty. The peninsular backs onto extremely thick native bush, with prolific bird life and framing distant ranges, sheer and endless.

'Off the Beaten Track,' - Is about following a series of Original Haiku verses which take you along a track through what is known as -The Fiordland National Park. I wish to acknowledge and thank the photographer D. Mclellan, for the bulk of the images in this article. He has worked extensively and lived in the Fiordland region and probably knows the area better than most.

So please enjoy this special place, through this special collection of images and words, that make up: 'Off the Beaten Track.' For the author, this represents a life circle taken in the hope that places like this will always exist in their timelessness for many more generations. This is a Southern Flow of New Zealand, an unbelievable home for nature at her best, off the tourist route and a place that you must simply feel the heartbeat of, to know you are alive. Oh did I mention that there are biting Sandflies here, so maybe you should use a good repellent. (And Rainwear).

To get to the Lighthouse you will have to negotiate a Department of Conservation Permit to do so at the National Park Offices in Te Anau. If you are successful with your permit, then also check out the Manupouri Power Station and the Helicopter Tour Operators at Fiordland Travel at Te Anau. Factually, you are going to need to just go.. Get a chopper to Lake Manupouri, Puysegur Point, over to Mitre Peak, then you might as well stay at Mt. Cook... Check out Resolution Cove, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound.... There are huts and lodges and sandflies and why not just Trek it... with your camera... This land: This place is spectacular... Enjoy:

The coastal view from Puysegur Point Lighthouse.

♦ Original Haiku by Pearldiver ♦

This dramatic change of scenery occurs within close proximity and within short time periods. Ever changing moods of a temperamental world so attune to nature's whims.

Puysegur Point Lighthouse was built in 1879 in a national effort to stop the huge number of shipwrecks that occurred around the NZ coast. This shot shows the lamp and top of the solar unit power source.

Puysegur Point Lighthouse (left) and Keeper's home (right) .

A wind swept peninsular pounded by Southern swells and ocean surges of up to 20'. All our belongings were barged in and unloaded onto an old jetty, as the craft rose with each tidal surge. Who needed a car?

The tidal surge on a calm day.

This is a calm day and yet the swells are nearly 20 feet. Sometimes landing here by boat was impossible and supplies barged in from Bluff were often taken back, without having been unloaded. No one ever complained... what was the point?

Constant motion of seagulls gliding with the Great Southern Albatross.. Never look up after their lunch. Seagulls could spend an entire breeze in circular motion, crying out in joy of what each day would bring... and then there were just all gone!

Seasons of Haiku

Seasons of Haiku : About Hope, Life and Bamboo.Seasons of Haiku: About Hope, Life and Bamboo Poems; by Pearldiver, an awesome collection of original haiku that inspire. Seasons of Haiku describe the beauty of nature and life, in the Poetry of the...

Fiordland - South West of the South Island of New Zealand.

Main Office of Fiordland National Park. For all permits, maps and details of tracks, huts and Puysegur Point Lighthouse approval.

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I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse of a special piece of New Zealand. Fiordland and South Westland between them have absolutely amazing sites and people. The Kiwis that you will meet here, will not judge your race or color and the history that you are invited to share with the locals, is real, factual events and information; not stories of a hollow culture, invented to suit which day it is, as you are likely to experience in some of the so called 'cultural centers' in the North Island.

Sadly, parts of New Zealand are beginning to experience a tide of racial separatism, as young Maori seek to find and develop their historical culture, within a culture that has historically neglected to keep factual records. Sadly, such politically motivated animosity does drive a wedge between Maori and European races, even though we have merged the cultures over the years previously. With all due respect, kiwis live in a cosmopolitan society in New Zealand and for the most part, we do not agree with such squabbles and attitudes. To avoid it completely, come to Fiordland, real history, no animosity, great sights and even greater people... Take Care... See you Here!

♦ Pearldiver ♦

By the way: There is a substantial reward for anyone finding a live Moa here and the Sandflies that will bite you are just saying hello!

Comments

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Author

Rob Welsh 4 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

It's been awhile since I've taken the time to read this piece of my history again.. it doesn't bring a tear to my eyes... it makes me appreciate who I am in relation to this world, as a result of having had such amazingly unique experiences in my life. There are places in this region that have never ever been walked by man, let alone seen...

Most in the world are simply unable to fathom what it means to know places like those I have included here... but this was my home and as I have stated within the haiku here, my roots will always be found along with those few others that helped shape what it meant to be a resident at Puysegur Point Lighthouse... a wild and truly beautiful solitude..

I guess it's kinda like having been in space and trying to explain what weightlessness is to those who have absolutely no idea that space exists! Perhaps that may explain why I see life the way I do... it comes from having known and extensively understood space! Cheers for your compliment and appreciating what this article represents... take care.. PD

LaThing 4 years agofrom From a World Within, USA

This is a breathtaking Hub, I can just imagine the land itself, how beautiful it must be! You have done a great job describing it so beautifully, and each set of poem (haiku) has a unique sense of belonging. There is a touch of sadness in this story and the last part, 'You'll walk not alone here, if you listen, you will see one heartbeat here, is me....', says it all! Doesn't it just bring tears to your eyes?

I had read it before, but had to come back and read it again..... Awesome!

Author

Rob Welsh 5 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi mtngeogeek, I appreciate that you found my works and more so that you clearly enjoyed them. This hub holds a special significance to me, as it is about a place that by world standards, is at its least very special. I hope that you found the depth within this work to be equally special. Thank you for your great compliment. Take care

mtngeogeek 5 years agofrom Sw co

Your hubs are a peaceful world to get lost in and revisit and get lost in again. Everything is intentionally deep and to fully appreciate your words, photos, and being is to stay for hours on a single hub.

Return and absorb some more. Thank You for the window into your soul.

Author

Rob Welsh 5 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Freecampingaussie, hi there and thank you for taking the time to walk this path, through a magic place. Sorry that it has taken a while to reply to your compliments. You have in Oz, an almost equally awesome set of outdoor places, so I do hope that you keep clicking away. Thanks again fca, you take care and happy trails.

freecampingaussie 5 years agofrom Southern Spain

Hi, I love your hub + the amazing photos.They make me want to go back for a visit ! I grew up in NZ & wish I had taken more photos there .

As we travel around Australia I am trying to improve my photography.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Alastar, thanks for taking the time to read this Haiku collection and for your highly complementary comment. This special place deserves special words as it is just so unique. It is also a place where the bush is so dense that for years it has been believed that wild moose live there, though they haven't been seen since 1960s. In fact there is a $100K bounty for a photo proving their presence. I'm glad you enjoyed this mate.. you take care.. and cheers again.

Alastar Packer 6 years agofrom North Carolina

Pearldiver, I don't give out praises unless their meant. This is the most gorgeous, beautiful, creative and professional hub I've had the good fortune to read and view yet.

Yours Pearl AP. Please re-consider.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi MG, thank you very much for reading this haiku travelog, that really was fun to write and has achieved good interest from many readers. This work does describe the region and it's flow, so if you appreciated the flow of the haiku then yes, you will also understand this land. It remains a pristine place as it is part of the National Heritage program that will ensure that it remains in this state for many more generations. So yeah, thank you for visiting my home, the place where my roots also remain! Cheers for your excellent comments.. you take care and be well.

Money Glitch 6 years agofrom Texas

WOW! I am at a lost for words! Beautiful, awesome, and creative are such small words to describe the beauty shown within the pictures, how awesome your poetry flowed, and the creativity of the author that made a place that I have never heard of all of a sudden feel like a place I'd like to call home. Such wide open, crispy clear, clean natural spots are becoming far and in between to be found in it's natural roughness per say. Great job!

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Schoolmarm, thanks for taking the time to read this tribute to an amazing corner of my country and my pride. I am glad that you enjoyed this work... cheers, take care.

schoolmarm 6 years agofrom Florida

Amazing and beautiful. Thank you

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Doug, thanks for reading this work and for your awesome comments. I guess you like this haiku collection. As I said in this work, Fiordland really does have a pulse, which you do actually feel when you walk in the place. I'm glad that you enjoyed my commentary and hope that one day you have the opportunity to walk on the paths that meander through this magical place. Cheers mate.. take care.

Doug Turner Jr. 6 years ago

You'll walk not alone. That should be the title of your auto-bio some day. Great words to go along with pictures that can't be described in words -- and those are just bloody pictures! I can't even fathom what the real thing must be like to experience. It may not be humanly possible to truly appreciate such beauty but you, my friend, are making a good run at it. Thanks for the inspiring hubs and comments. Cheers.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi erthfrend, thank you for taking the time to read this haiku collection and little slice of NZ paradise. The length of this work is measured and I specifically made it this length, to ensure that it did justice to the photos. Besides, I was also writing about a small part of a long and eventful life - there is much to say! I'm glad that you enjoyed reading this work as much as I enjoyed writing it. Cheers for your very positive comment, you take care and be well.

erthfrend 6 years agofrom Florida

This was truly priceless! I didnt mind the length at all because it was filled with such interesting history and information, the haikus were so beautiful and touching and they told such an amazing story. I REALLY enjoyed this. It was very powerful and intriguing and I loved the style, the way you put it all together so perfectly. Thank you for this amazing piece!!

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Nell, thank you for taking the time to read this collection of haiku. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed this work, it was a labor of love as this region was my home once. Take Care and cheers for your positive comments Nell.

Nell Rose 6 years agofrom England

Hi, this was absolutely beautiful, I loved every photo and every word, I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you, cheers nell

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Mark, thanks for reading this haiku collection and for your gracious compliment. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed this work and I appreciate the critique of a talented haiku writer, like yourself. Cheers Take care.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi McHamlet, thankyou for taking the time to read this collection of haiku. I appreciate your positive comments and do hope that you will have the opportunity to see this place, to really gauge the beauty firsthand. Maybe we should swap keys sometime... I love Thailand's pulse too. Be well and take care Paul.

Paul Buckle 6 years ago

Really appreciate the effort you put into this; you take us on a wonderful journey here to this wild and beautiful place, the pictures and words and arrangements weave a captivating spell. I really hope I can make it over there sometime. Cheers.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

I knew Tuatapere well and cast many a line into the Pomahaka willows lol. Glad your family is well mate and at the moment there is not a lot that any of us can do.. until the dust finally settles and the needs are fully assessed.. they will get through this EK.. we all will. Perhaps that very thing is the reason for you to pick up your pen again and talk to the mums yeah? Take care and think about that...

Hi Paul, thank you for reading this haiku collection and for your kind compliments. I'm glad you enjoyed viewing this part of the world. You have actually seen a part of NZ that the bulk of kiwis have never seen or been to, so you feel free to ask the next kiwi you meet if they know where Puysegur Point is! 5-1 says they don't. Hope you're enjoying your experience here, your poetry portfolio is looking pretty good so far. Cheers Paul.. you take care mate.

Plarson 6 years agofrom Alabama

Pearl- Absolutely beautiful poetry and stunning photos. Thank you for the historical info as well, I really never knew anything about "NZ". -Paul

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hello Martie, thank you for taking that time to read and appreciate this haiku collection, a glimpse of somewhere in NZ that has its own magic.

Martie I believe that one of the attributes of becoming a master in the art, requires one to write timelessly relevant verse, within a fixed format.. in a hundred years, I may have gained that ability, if I keep trying. I am happy to do that, if you are able to stick around for a personal reading without either of us nodding off! I do appreciate your kind compliments though.. cheers for that support. You take care.

Martie Coetser 6 years agofrom South Africa

On each and every haiku I can ponder for hours. You are rappidly turning into a master haiku-writer. Voted up in all ways.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi there Micky, thank you for reading this work and for your comment. Yep, there's a few places here with alluvial gold washing through them mate. Grab a flight and I'll get you a pan and a prospector's licence... it's sitting at $1400 per oz atm.. won't take long to pay for the ticket at that rate.. but you need a local who knows where to look... and I know more than just pearls mate. Take care.

Micky Dee 6 years ago

Pearldiver- you have a wonderful treasure collection- right here! God bless brotherman!

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi dianne one hundred and forty three, thank you for taking the time to read these haiku. Yes, I really wasn't pretending to be a poet when I wrote these Haiku poems. Take Care.

dianne143 6 years ago

Nice hub.... you are really a poet.... :)

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Thanks for that Marie... I think a lot of us are a bit stunned by this event, merely 6 months out from the last one there. The death toll and permanent injuries created in less than a minute is a pretty scary reminder of how fragile we are when nature decides to speak. In some respects it should be remembered also that Fiordland was created from such events. Christchurch and Lyttelton however, may not recover as well as Fiordland and so many of their historical buildings will not be replaced. Thank you for you wishes.. you take care.

Marie Giunta 6 years agofrom Sydney, Australia

Hope to travel there soon PD, thanks. Our hearts go out all in Christchurch suffering from the earthquake. Take care.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Marie, thank you for taking the time to read this work and for your comment, I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Well if you plan travel here... give yourself enough time to walk Milford Track and really familiarize yourself with Fiordland, because in real life, it is really amazing. As I said earlier, you can actually feel the region's pulse.

It was a pretty good place to start life from as well as learning about nature on the edge. Like Australia, NZ is different in each region, so there is a lot to see, if you avoid the tourist tracks. You Take Care Marie.. cheers.

Marie Giunta 6 years agofrom Sydney, Australia

Hi PD, this is absolutely awesome, both the writing and the beautiful pictures. I always here about the fantastic places to see magnificent views in NZ and you have shown some great ones here. How lucky you are to have grown up in such a special place. I certainly hope to visit NZ one day, unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity yet.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Well you see right away you have a problem... I learned never share your source of watercress or best fishing spot.. everything else is okay. I know that rich piece of advice and should be able to tell you the name of the short person who originally stated it. I was writing Haiku in a relatively close - but not really 5 - 7 - 5 style and I don't think I can make that one fit into that haiku format. Why aren't you writing more EK.. do some more like your Kiwi hub.. that was very cool. I guess you are busy springing instead? Take care mate - do some writing.

Eaglekiwi 6 years agofrom -Oceania

Ok,this looks like Im stalking ya now,but have to share this quote (one of many that became favourites) but I believe echoes the above environment and mana for all.

"If I can see further than you,it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants!")

Kia Kaha kare.

(Besides Id only stalk ahem,follow you to the ends of the watercress patch)-grins

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Ingenira, thank you for taking the time to read this work and for your comments. Yes we are exceedingly lucky that they have survived to be appreciated and to become a major draw card to the country as a whole. Each part of NZ is different and has it's own pulse. Fiordland's pulse is very different to the pulses of other regions.. that is why I have said here that you can genuinely feel hers. Cheers, Take Care.. come see this place first hand, some day.. you will find out a lot about yourself, from this region.

Ingenira 6 years ago

Wow, these places are awesome and so beautiful! I really marvel at God'creation. You are so blessed to be surrounded by such scenic places. Voted up !

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi tebo, thanks for taking the time to read this work and for your comment. Yes Every Kiwi should see this place as it is an extremely humbling experience, when you actually merge and feel the region's pulse. I was very lucky to have had that opportunity, I believe.. but I also gave up a lot of blood for the experience. Not just to Sandflies! Cheers, take care mate. I'm glad you liked the haiku.

tebo 6 years agofrom New Zealand

Lovely work. Beautiful photography, and a great tour through Fiordland. I have been there, but didn't see as much as you have. Must be amazing to live there. The poems are wonderful.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Eaglekiwi, thank you for reading this work, I was thinking about you when I put the map in and looked at Tuatapere. It is a small world and even smaller as I'm sure your dad would have known my father's family (my cousins) especially as there was a Conical Hills presence on my side too. That's awesome...

Of course I know the signficance of your name. I wonder if it is the same for others as it is for kiwis, carrying that pav recipe around in our hearts throughout our lives? - Given our kai moana... I'm sure it can't be as strong EK... I don't mean that arrogantly, I just know how good our fish and shellfish are :)

Cheers EK.. you take care and be well.

Eaglekiwi 6 years agofrom -Oceania

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”

Maori proverb.

I carry Aotearoa in my heart,until I return home to give back.

Hey PD,heres some trivia for ya,my maiden name is Takitimu,do you know mountains?

Thankyou for sharing such beauty and lacing it with your creative mind.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

And Someway... cheers! Yes, it has always made me feel drawn back, as if I have left part of me there... and what is worse for me, is that the next two places also have done that to me... that used to make me feel completely fragmented... until I learned the relevance of each venue individually and collectively, to who I am! Yep... hahaha.. started out unique and became more so! Thanks mate.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Someway, thank you for your beautiful and positive thoughts and for experiencing the meaning of this somewhat 'personal' work. Puysegur Point was but one part of the foundation blocks of my life though. I guess as I said in the article, that we are all conditioned to and by the experiences and environments that we encounter very early in our lives. I have been as a person, the recipient of an amazing range of unique experiences, initially as a result of choices made by parents and later as a result of understanding the relevance's of their choices, nature and caring.. then one builds on or doesn't develop from those lessons. In many respects I have been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to understand my environments and be comfortable with my personal relationships to them.. Cheers.. take care.. and make a point of 'knowing' a place like here....

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi thoughforce, thank you for reading this work and for your very positive comments. Of course, in those days that I lived here, there was no 'real' technology, TVs or Fast Food Outlets... things have changed to the point now that many just simply don't take the opportunity to 'be' somewhere. Places like here, thankfully still remain, for those who do still get outside and experience nature!

It only takes one step into Fiordland to achieve that, although, often one has to then take one step back again.. to appreciate that moment! Cheers, you take care.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Ian, thanks for reading this work and the passion of your comments. Yes, I can see you scooting up, over and through the ranges and valleys, with Ludwig in your earphones and the snow of an unexplored mountain summit, 10 feet below your feet! That image is also relevant to here... our pilots are probably some of the best in the world, many having flown the alps with hunters or deer recovery work.

My haiku were written as a flow through the park, so to speak. Although each is able to take weight individually, they were written to collectively act as a tour guide, for this journey. Glad you enjoyed this work which pushes the traditional boundaries of the genre.. I've never seen haiku in the role of travel guide.. but I thought it would fit... and it did! Cheers for visiting, I'm pleased your flight was here... take care.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Cindy, thanks for reading this slice of Kiwi-dom and for telling the truth... of course you miss New Zealand, even more if you consider the Rugby World Cup is hosted here. So pleased that you have another book on sale to the world and hope you got my message last week. Let me know what flight you will be on... thought you'd appreciate the Moa being lost, stolen and awol... take care and be well my friend.

Author

Rob Welsh 6 years agofrom Tomorrow - In Words & NZ Time.

Hi Alekhouse, thank you for 'visiting' this work and for your supportive comment. I'm glad that you stopped by and enjoyed the view. This really is a special place and I have enjoyed having the opportunity to share a few moments of it creatively with my fellow writers and poets. Cheers.. take care.

SomewayOuttaHere 6 years agofrom TheGreatGigInTheSky

...WOW....the scenery is out of this world....your words draw me in...such a spiritual place indeed...i'm sure of that...the place must cry out to you to come back and sit awhile...softly... over and over again.....

all the photos captivated me...the one that stands out is of 'rain skipping down the hills'

thanks again...

SomewayOuttaHere 6 years agofrom TheGreatGigInTheSky

...PD...no wonder you write such beautiful thoughts....absolutely amazing....i was in awe as i read about where you are from...i must see New Zealand one day...not the cities ....the land, the sea, see it, feel it, smell it...

...i'm going to read this again...you gave me chills with this peak of NZ...really, really good chills....thank you...you are awesome PD!

Christina Lornemark 6 years agofrom Sweden

Very beautiful poem and a very interesting hub! This place looks amazing from the photos, and the nature must be breathtaking! I try to imagine how it must have been living there as a family but probably I can not, to fully understand the solitude one must be there I think! Thanks for this interesting journey in your part of the world!

Twilight Lawns 6 years agofrom Norbury-sur-Mer, Surrey, England. U.K.

A stunningly beautiful hub, my friend. i started to copy to past different Haikus, but realised that there were too many for me to say were my favourites. Lovely photographs, lovely words, great personal history.

And to add to the mise en scene, I happened to be playing the Beethoven 6th Symphony, the "Pastoral"... my goodness it all fitted together so well.

Cindy Vine 6 years agofrom Cape Town

You almost make me miss Aotearoa Pearlie!

Nancy Hinchliff 6 years agofrom Essex Junction, Vermont

Very nice Haiku...also enjoyed the photos. Thanks for the visit to another world.